KUALA LUMPUR: Tropical storm Megi has been detected near Sabah and the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has warned that it can cause strong winds in the state’s waters.

       MetMalaysia, in a statement issued at 12.30pm yesterday, said that based on observations at 11am, the tropical storm was detected at 10.7 degrees north latitude and 125.6 degrees east longitude, about 101km northeast of Surigao City, Philippines.

       The storm, with a maximum wind speed of 65kph, is located 985km northeast of Sandakan, Sabah.

       Meanwhile, incessant heavy rain over the past few days have resulted in floods in several villages in Tuaran yesterday morning.

       A Malaysian Civil Defence Force Sabah spokesperson said several areas there had been affected by the floods, namely Kampung Bunga Tengilan, Kampung Bundung, Kampung Suang Bangau, Kampung Paruh, Kampung Tinuhan and Pekan Tengilan.

       He said the old Tamparuli bridge was flooded, making the road impassable to all types of vehicles in the morning, while the water level of Sungai Tuaran was at alert level.

       “No evacuation centre has been opened thus far as the families affected by the floods sought shelter at relatives’ houses,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

       In a related development, Lintas Fire and Rescue Station chief Agustavia Joe Guasi said five houses at the Telipok Settlement Scheme were affected by a landslide.

       She said the department received an emergency call via the MERS999 line at 5.59am before rushing to the scene located 26km away.

       “The affected house owners have been asked to vacate their homes as soil movement is still taking place. The operation ended at 7.16am,” she said when contacted by Bernama yesterday.